Kenmore Model 20721

Oddly enough, I have been working recently on this exact model, which I picked up because it has some history in my washer hobby.

This is a five water levels model. There were very few large capacity Kenmores with five levels, all in 1979 to 1983 models, until the later direct drive era. Unfortunately this limits availability of these switches. I would not try to repair the old switch...too much risk of failure and flooding. You probably did not break the switch, more likely it fatigued and wore out.

The most recent replacement part number from Whirlpool was part number 660745. New ones were $80 or more, but are now no longer available. There are two on eBay though, from a seller I have bought parts from many times. The two are priced wildly differently, but either will work in your machine. Just search "660745 switch" on eBay. One of them is less than 20 bucks, free shipping. I would try that if this were my problem.

If for some reason these don't work out, other switches will work but will have fewer water levels, etc.

I would be glad to give you a step by step tutorial on how to change this switch if you get one.

Gordon


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Post# 831553 7/9/2015 at 16:13 (3,207 days old) by marishka1122 ()
Checkrate/Likes This washer was purchased new from Sears in 1980 when I first got married and for the most part, is still going strong. Today however, I broke the metal rod that hooks to the selector knob that chooses the load for low, medium, high, etc. I spent three hours trying to jimmy rig another piece of metal to fit but with no luck. The part will need to be re-welded. Anyway, here is a picture of my beauty. She has served me well for 35 years. View Full Size

Post# 831575 , Reply# 1 7/9/2015 at 18:37 (3,207 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)
Checkrate/Likes Try finding a washer made today that will last 35 years before anything fails. I hope someone here can point you to a replacement part or other repair option.

Post# 831603 , Reply# 2 7/9/2015 at 22:33 (3,207 days old) by washdaddy (Baltimore)
Checkrate/Likes You should be able to track down a replacement for that water level control and be able to switch it out if you happen to be handy with some basic tools. If that is the only problem you are having with the washer I would definitely invest in getting the replacement part. You will never find another machine that was made to last like those Kenmore's.

Post# 831608 , Reply# 3 7/9/2015 at 23:41 (3,207 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)
Checkrate/Likes *I can help!* Oddly enough, I have been working recently on this exact model, which I picked up because it has some history in my washer hobby. This is a five water levels model. There were very few large capacity Kenmores with five levels, all in 1979 to 1983 models, until the later direct drive era. Unfortunately this limits availability of these switches. I would not try to repair the old switch...too much risk of failure and flooding. You probably did not break the switch, more likely it fatigued and wore out. The most recent replacement part number from Whirlpool was part number 660745. New ones were $80 or more, but are now no longer available. There are two on eBay though, from a seller I have bought parts from many times. The two are priced wildly differently, but either will work in your machine. Just search "660745 switch" on eBay. One of them is less than 20 bucks, free shipping. I would try that if this were my problem. If for some reason these don't work out, other switches will work but will have fewer water levels, etc. I would be glad to give you a step by step tutorial on how to change this switch if you get one. Gordon

Post# 831709 , Reply# 4 7/10/2015 at 14:41 (3,206 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)
Checkrate/Likes *Update:* Sears' website says new level switches are available from their stock for $50 plus shipping. I called and checked, they verified stock in their own warehouse, so I'd say this is a reasonable bet that they really have this if you want a new switch. Gordon